Our goal is to give you the most up-to-date, accurate information about your state DMV's processes. The date you see here reflects the most recent time we've verified this information with your state DMV. When they change something, we do, too!

Verified As Of: 2/17/2018

SUMMARY: How to Register Your Vehicle in Maryland

Vehicle registration in Maryland requires you to visit your local MVA office with your driver's license, vehicle title, bill of sale, and payment for your registration fee. Depending on whether your vehicle is new or used, or if you are a new Maryland resident, you may also have to provide additional paperwork.

Maryland requires all vehicles to be registered with the
Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in order to legally be driven on the road.

If you already have a vehicle(s) registered with the MVA, please visit our page on
registration renewal in Maryland to see how to keep your vehicle registration current.

New to Maryland?

You are required to register your vehicle(s) with the MVA within
60 days of moving to Maryland. You will be titling your vehicle at the same time as getting your vehicle registration. Before you go to register, be aware that you must have a vehicle inspection completed on your car. Please visit our page on Vehicle Inspections in Maryland for details.

You can register your vehicle in Maryland
in person or by mail; the documents required are the same. You'll need to submit:

Your title will be mailed to you, regardless of whether you apply in person or by mail. If you apply by mail, your registration card, license plates, and stickers will also be mailed along with your title; otherwise, if you went in person to register, they will be issued to you immediately.

Registering Vehicles with Loans

If you still have a loan out on your vehicle when you move to Maryland, you will need to contact the lienholder to have the title sent to the
Motor Vehicle Administration.

Once your lienholder sends the title information to the MVA, the MVA will contact you and let you know what excise tax is due with your registration (see “
Vehicle Registration Fees" below). You must then:

You will be sent your Maryland vehicle registration card, license plates, and expiration stickers as soon as you complete the registration and titling process.

MD Insurance Requirements

Maryland requires all vehicles to be covered by
auto insurance to be legally driven on any state road. You will need to get insurance by a Maryland-approved agent in order to register your car or truck.

Registering a Vehicle in Maryland

How you register your vehicle depends on whether the vehicle is being purchased from:

A dealership.

A private party.

Vehicles Purchased from a Dealership

Car dealers usually submit the registration and titling paperwork for you when you purchase the vehicle. You will get a bill of sale, and either temporary or permanent tags/license plates. Your title will be mailed to your provided address.

Registering a Dealer-Bought Vehicle

If the car dealer does not handle the paperwork for you (for instance, if you purchased your vehicle from an out-of-state dealer), you must visit a local MVA branch office and submit:

You will receive your license plates and the registration certificate after you have submitted all paperwork and fees. Your title will be mailed to the address you provide.

Military Members & Vehicle Registration

Military and Non-Residents Stationed in Maryland

Non-resident members of the military on active duty in Maryland do not have to register their cars with the state of Maryland. All service members must maintain current registration and insurance coverage in their home states to legally drive in Maryland.

If you decide to become a permanent resident of MD, you will want to register your vehicle within 1 year, or you will not be eligible for a tax credit, and could possibly be subject to a citation for waiting too long to register.

Maryland Residents Stationed Out-of-State

Residents stationed outside of Maryland who would like to register their vehicle in MD will need to submit:

If you register in person at a Maryland MVA branch office, you will get your license plates and registration when you submit your paperwork and pay the fees.

If you are not in Maryland and cannot visit a branch office in person, you may mail in all the registration and titling paperwork along with payment for all fees and taxes. You will need to send everything to the Glen Burnie office at:

Vehicles titled in Maryland will pay a 6% excise tax. This is based on the fair market value of the vehicle (the minimum value of the vehicle cannot be lower than $640 for vehicles older than 7 years old). This price must be listed on your notarized MVA Bill of Sale (form VR-181).

Vehicles previously titled out of state must follow the below requirements:

Vehicles 7 years old and newer previously titled in another state where you paid 6% or more tax will pay a $100

If you did not pay 6% excise tax on your vehicle, you will be required to pay the percentage difference.

If you have a leased vehicle, and are paying the excise tax through your payments, you will need documentation to determine the amount of tax you will pay or any tax credit you may receive.

Maryland Vehicle Inspections

Maryland vehicles must have emissions and safety inspections to remain on the road.

Safety Inspection

If you are registering a used vehicle, or a vehicle you are bringing to the state, you must have a safety inspection. The safety inspection must be completed at a licensed Maryland inspection station. Fees vary by station but are required to be displayed at each station. The certificate is good for 90 days after it is issued.

Emissions Inspection

While Maryland does have an emissions program, you do not need to get your vehicle inspected before registering it. The Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) will contact you a few months after you register your vehicle to let you know when you need to get it inspected. Visit the emissions inspection page for more information.

Maryland License Plates

You will receive your standard Maryland license plates when you register your vehicle. Specialty and personalized license plates are also available for an additional fee. Go to our page on License Plates & Placards in Maryland for more information.

Forms

Bill of Sale - VR-181

Complete this form as a proof of purchase when buying or selling a vehicle in Maryland. Must be notarized.

If you're a U.S. government employee and temporarily living out-of-state for work, use this form to request the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration updates your registration information. Must be signed by your employer.